Machine for securing fan blades to end plates



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MACHINE FOR SECURING FA BLADES T0 END PLATS Filed Oct. '7, 1921 14 Sheets-Sheet l ,5* if 45 JC I Mmmm., n. r m m |i c MMM: MY -l E 28 4,4 l A i if E 0"): 55%: 6 IVI 47 l 1| w1 l I IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIH -6-- wm l I/ I/ il 941 13 if @Mvc/Moz.'

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I F. R. ,STILL MACHINE FOR SECURING FAN BLADES T END PLATES Filed Oct, 7, 1921 14 Sheets-Sheet 2 i v Sept. 22, 1925. l' 7 l1,551,385 F. R. STILL MACHINE FOR SECRING FAN BLADES T0 END PLATES Sept. 22, 1925 I l F. R. STILL MACHINE FOR SECURING FAN BLADES To END PLATES Filed OG'C. '7, 1921 14 Sheets-$11661l 4 SNN @MMQM Sept. 22, 1925.

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MACHINE FOR SECURING FAN BLADES TO END PLATS Filed Oct. '7, 1921 Sept. 22, 1925 F. R. STILL MACHINE FOR SECURING FAN BLADES TO END PLATES Filed Oct. '7, 1921 14 Sheets-Sheet 6 Sept. 22. 1925 1,554,385

F. R. STILL MACHINE FOR SECURING FAN BLADES T0 END PLATES Filed Oct. '7. 1921 14 Sheets-Sheet 'f 3 1. l J w 1 |n Lv f :i n Hl-. o0 w m m o 7 w w W .I 7 www f UH... ,N 0 f f (f i.

Sept. 22, 1925 1,554,385 F. R. STILL MACHINE FOR SECURING FAN BLADES TO END PLATES Filed OCT.. 7, 1921 14 Sheets-Sheet 8 S11/mundo@ I @1MM Q2 ,JM

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F` R. STILL MACHINE' FoRsEcURING FAN'BLADES T'o END PLATES Filed Oct. "2, 1921 14 Sheets-Sheet- 9 www Sept. 22, 1925 1,554,385

F. R. STILL MACHINE FOR SECURING FAN BLADES TO END PLATES -Filed OGt.`7, 1921 14 SlleetS-Shee'l'l l0 i* l www F. R. STILL MACHINE FOR SCURING FAN BLADES TO END PLATES Sept. `22, 1925.

14 Sheets-Sheet l1 Filed 00T'. 7, 1921 ammo@- G? M14/lf I www sept. z2, 1925. 1,554,385

F. R. STILL.

MACHINE FOR SECURING FAN BLADES T0 END PLATES Filed oct, v, 1921 14 lsheets-sheet 12 Sept. 22, 1925. 1,554,385

, F. R. STILL MACHINE FOR SECURING FAN BLADES TO END PLATES Filed Oct. '7, 1921 14 Sheets-Sheet 15 Sept. z, 1925 Filed OCb. '7, l1921 14 SheetSfSheeb 14 www] Mmmm@ amm vlatenteul Sept. 22,- 1925.

' PATENT i, OFFICE.

FREDERICK R. sTILL, OE nETIt'oI'i,` MICHIGAN, AssIGNOR To AMERICAN BLOWER COMPANY, OE DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OE MICHIGAN.

MACHINE FORSCURING FAN BLADES '.10 END PLATES.

Application led October 7, 1921. Serial No. 506,191.

To all whom t may conce/m:

Be it known that I, FREDERICK R. STILL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Detroit, in the county of lNayne-and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Securing Fan Blades to End Plates, of which the following is a speciication, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to an improved process and machine for securing blades to endkplates or rims, the same being particularly vadapted for and advantageous in the manufacture of fan wheels of light build having long narrow blades and an enlarged intake.

Heretofore in the art, it has been proposed to secure the blades to the end plates, rims or supporting elements by riveting but such constructions have proven unsatisfactory, the joints or connections between the parts soon shaking loose and rattling. Furthermore, riveting is unsuitable and seriously objectionable inthe manufacture of fan wheel structures of light build of the character referred to because the shock incident to the usual riveting operation damages the parts, and effects the trueness of the wheels.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and machine whereby the fan wheel parts can be rapidly secured together without injurious shock or pressure thereto, and a more efficient joining and better connection of the parts obtained, and whereby a strong, more durable and perfect fan wheel is produced at low cost.

The invention, with other objects and advantages thereof, will be understood from ,the hereinafter contained detail description,

when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part hereof,

and illustrating one form of apparatus for carrying out the improved method.

g In the drawings:

' Figure 1 is an elevation of one end of a machine constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. is a similar View taken from the other end of the machine.

Fig. 31's a front elevation, on an enlarged scale, of the cam shaftand associated parts, at the base or lower part of the machine.

Fig.- 4 is a plan, on an enlarged scale, of the driving mechanism at the lower part of the frame, certain of the partsbeing shown in section.

Fig. 5 is a detail side elevation of part of `the cam and lever mechanism.

. Fig. 6 is a detail transverse section, on an enlarged scale, of the rotating work support, with the parts of a fan wheel clamped thereon in assembled relation, the combined electrodes and pressing members being shown in side elevation.

Fig. 7 is a detail view of the clutch associated with the controlling lever.-

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are detail views, on an enlarged scale, of the controller lever and automatic trigger and trip mechanism.

Fig. 11 is a section on line 7 7 of Figure 7 Fig. 12 is a detail plan, on an enlarged scale, of the indexing mechanism for the rotatable work support. j

Fig. 12a is a detail View of the indexing mechanism, with certain parts broken away.

Fig. 13 is a detail side elevation of one of the switches forfcontrolling the circuit for the electrodes.

Figs, 14 and 15 are respectively longitudi- 'nal and transversesections of the switch illustrated in Fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is a'detail, on an enlarged scale, illustratingthe connection of the secondary of the transformer to the electrodes.

Fig. 17 is anend elevation of a fan wheel construction in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a transverse sectional view of the fan Wheel illustrated in Fig. 17.

Figs. 19, 20, 21 and 22 are detail views o one of the blades ofthe wheel.

Fig. 23 is a detail top plan view, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of one of the end plates or rims with the projecting end portions of some of the blades shown before the welding operation, and others after the welding operation.

Figs. 24 and 25 are detail sectional views, through the end portion of a blade and the adjoining end plate or rim portion illustrating the construction `prior to and after the welding operation.

Figs. 26, 27, 28 and 29 are diagrammatic views showing the circuit connections.

In accordance with the improved method of the present invention the fan blades are provided with projecting portions at the Iends thereof, and the end plates or rims Ition of the blade beyond the oute-r face of the rim is at least substantially equal to the diii'erence in the cross sectional size of the projecting portion of the blade and the area of the aperture, or of suiiicient volume to lill up the intervening space between the projecting end portion 'of the blade and the wall of the aperture. Preferably the volume of metal provided on the projecting end portion of the blade beyond the end plate or rim is in excess of that necessary to fill up the intervening space between the projecting end portion of the blade and the wall of the aperture. The blades and end plates or rims are firmly held together in assembled relation, the end plates or rims contacting with and being tightly clamped against the main end portions of the blades, the projecting end portions oi the blades extending through the'apertures ofthe end plates or rims beyond'the outer faces thereof. The projecting end portions of each of the blades 4are simultaneously subjected to heat and pressure by a pair of combined electrodes and pressure members operating simultaneously on opposite end portions ot the blade to melt down the projecting end portions of the blade to lill up the space4 between the projecting end portions of the A blade and the wall of the aperture, and weld the adjoining parts together, the blades being presented successively to the action of the electrodes and pressure members. Simultaneously with the contact of the electrodes and pressing elements with the projecting end portions of the blades, the current is turned on, the projecting end portions of the blades become heated almost white hot and under the pressure of the combined electrodes and pressing members,

the intervening spaces are lilled up with metal. As will be understood, the end plate or rim portions immediately surrounding the apertures are also simultaneously subjected to a welding heat, and the surfaces of the jointed portions at the outer faces of the end plates are formed smooth by the pressing action of the combined electrodes and pressing members, the projecting end portions of the blades, Ain the construction shown, being of a length to not only provide sufficient metal to till up the intervening spaces between the projecting end portions of the blade and the wall of the recess but also to form a reinforcing head like portion projecting beyond the outer face of the end plate after the welding operation.

In the drawings Figures 17 and 18, is illustrated a fan wheel constructed in accordance with the present method. The structure shown comprises end plates or rims A, B, and blades C. Each blade C in this particular instance, is provided at its ends with two projecting portions c, c, and the end plates or rims A, B, correspondingly are provided with two series oi' apertures ai', around the same to receive the projecting` portions c, c, of tlie blades. The blades C are blanked from sheet steel or other suitable metal, as indicated in Figures 19 to 22 inclusive, of the drawings. It will be understood that the number of projecting portions :tor each blade, and the corresponding number of apertures in the end plates or rims may be varied to meet different conditions, one of said projections on the end of each blade being sufficient in some instances. In Figure 23 of the drawings, is illustrated in side elevation a section of one "of the end plates with some of the projecting end portions of the blades prior to the Welding operation and other end portions after the welding operation: and Figures 24 and 25 are detail sectional views through the end portion of a blade and the adjoining rim portion showing the construction prior to and. after the welding operation.

The apparatus illustrated in the drawings for carrying out my ilnproved method includes a pair of reciprocating combined electrodes and pressure members adapted to simultaneously clamp the Work evenly from each side, and apply heat and 'pressure to the opposite projecting end portions of the blade, and the end plate portions immediately adjoining the apertures, a rotatable support to hold the fan wheel parts in assembled position, indexing mechanism for rotating the work support step by step to successively present the blades of the wheel in position to be operated upon by the combined electrodes and pressure members, au-

tomatic switch mechanism controlling the supply .of current to the combined electrodes ing means for the electrodes, indexing mechanism, manual control means, and' automatic members are brought into contact .with the projecting end portions of the blade', the circuit is simultaneously. closed through the electrodes and the interposed blade, and the circuit and operation of the electrodes upon the work is maintained just long enough to .melt down the projecting end portions of the blade to fill up the interveningr spaces between the same and the walls of the aper- `tures, and weld the parts together, the combined electrodes and pressing elements being then withdrawn from the work, and the circuit broken, the rotating table being then advanced to bring the next blade in position, the machine continuing to operate` in this way until a full cycle of operations has been completed when the same is automatically stopped. i f

The frame of the machine, which may be ,of any suitable `construction, is shown as comprising a base 1, a vertical standard or column 2, and a horizontal arm or part 3 extending laterally from the column 2l above the base.

4, 5, designate the pair of combined electrodes and pressure members supported for reciprocation vertically, said members being vsuitably mounted upon carrier blocks 6, 7,

slidably engaging the column 2. The carrier blocks 6, y7, are reciprocated simultaneously toward and from each other by cams 8. 9, fixed on a'rotary driven horizontal shaft 10, supported invbearings 11 on the base 1 of the frame, and vertical rods 12, 13, provided with yokes 12, 13L at their lower ends respectively engaging the cams 8, 9, and being connected at their upper ends with the carrier blocks 6, 7. 12b, 13", are links pivotally connected with the frame, and to the lower portions of the vertical rods 12, 13. 13a` designates a coiled spring interposed between an adjustable abutment 15e on the rod 12 and a portion of the horizontally extending arm 3 of the frame to assist in the operation of the upper carrier block 7. The carrier blocks 6, 7, are provided with lateral extensions 14, 15, having openings therein, and the'rods 12, 13, have spaced abutments 16, 17, 1 8. 19, on opposite sides of said extensions, coiled compression springs 20, 21, being interposed between one of the abutments of each rod and one of the lateral extensions 13,14, of the carrier blocks, the arrangement being such as to provide for the application of the combined electrodes and pressure members to the work with a yielding or spring pressure. The rods 12, 13, are preferably, as shown, providedwith threaded portions 12, 13C, and the abutments 16, 17,

18, 19; conveniently taking the form of nuts engaging the threaded portions of said rods y for purposes oi' adjustment. The cams 8, 9,-

are of a shape to reciprocate the combined electrodes and pressure members 4, 5, simultaneously m opposite dn'ectlons with a suiticient dwell at the outer and inner limits oiy their movements. 'he combined electrodes and pressure members 4, 5, which are adjustably secured to the carrier blocks 6, 7, in any suitable Away, for instance by clamp screws 6a, 7, as shown, have fiat work engaging inner end faces, 4c, 5C, as shown, said4 work engaging end faces being oi a size to extend beyond the projecting. end portion oil qthe blades over portions of the end blades immediately surrounding the apertures therein.

Any suitable means may be employed to supply a heating or welding current to the electrodes 4, 5. In'the drawings, a transformer 22 of well known construction is shown for the purpose, the same being suitably supported on a bracket 23 on the arm 3. 24 designates the primary of the transformer connected with any suitable source ot 4electric current, as an electric generator, not shown, and 25 is the secondary provided with flexible extensions 26, 27, which are electrically connected with the portions 6',

72, of the carrier blocks 6, 7, said portions 6 7 2, being formed of copper, and suitably insulated from the other parts. 28, 29, are rigid pipe portions to which flexible pipes, not shown, leading from any suitable source are connected to supply a cooling medium to the electrodes 4, 5.

Referring particularly to Figures 13, 14, and 15 of the drawings, the automatic switch `Vmechanism for controlli-ng the supply of current to the electrodes 4, 5, includes a circuit =breaker D interposed in the primary circuit and comprising an arm or lever 31 pivotally mounted at one end for oscillation vertically upon a base 32 secured to the base 1 of the main frame, said arm or lever 31 having afinger 33 providedy at one end with a Contact 34 adapted to co-operate with a stationary contact strip 35 mounted upon the upper portion of the switch base. The arm or lever 31 at its other end is provided with aportion 36 to engage a cam 3( adjustably secured upon the 'shaft 10, the cam 37 being adapted to periodically lift the outer end portion of the arm or lever 31 to move and hold the contact 34x in engagement with the stationary contact 35, the circuit being closed and opened at intervals in unison with the operation of the combined electrodes and pressure members 4,- 5. The linger 33 is adjustably and yieldably mounted upon the arm or lever 31, said linger 33 lever 3 1 at 37, and pivotally 'connected at one end to the finger 33 is a rod 38, said iio `is pivoted at its lower end to the arm or bearing 39 on a post 4() rigidly connected with the lever 31. 41 designates a nut adjustably engaging a threaded part on thel outer end portion of the rod 38, and 42 is a coiled expansion spring mounted on the rod 38 and having its opposite ends bearing against the finger 33 and the post 40. As will be understood' the period of contact between the contacts 34, 35, may be regulated through the adjustment of the nut 41, the coiled spring 42 acting to compensate for thedifference in movement of the arm or lever 31 for different angular adjustments of the linger relatively to the arm or lever.

An electric magnetic switch E is preferably employed in conjunction with the circuit breaker D. The magnetic switch E may be of any suitable construct-ion, one of the well known forms being shown in a general way. e designates the coil of the magnetic switch. The circuit breaker D and electric magnetic switch E are connected in the primary circuit as indicated diagram matically in Figure 29, the circuit arrangements being such that upon 4the engagement of the contacts 34, 35, of the circuit breaker D, a circuit is first completed through the coils e of the electric magnetic switch E, which is thus operated and in turn closes the circuit upon the Work. F,.F, Gr, G', A

designate the circuit connections of the primary cuircuit with the contacts 34, 435, of the circuitbreaker D, and with the electric magnetic switch. A manually operable switch H may also be provided, the same being closed when the machine is to be operated.

The rotatable work holding means (see especially Figures, 1 and 6 of the drawings) comprises a horizontally disposed table 44 and an upper clamp plate 45. The table 44 is fixed on the upper end of a vertical shaft 46 which is supported for rotation in a tubular bearing 47 that extends upwardly from the horizontal arm 3 of the frame. The clamp plate 45 is provided with a central opening 46, the wall of which is threaded to adjustably engage an upper threaded portion 48 of a vertical stem 48 on the table 44, said clamp plate 45 being adapted to be turned up on the stem 48 tightly against the upper end plate 50 of an assembled fan wheel resting on the table 44 (see Figure 6 of the drawings), to firmly clamp the assembled parts of the fan wheel together in proper'position on the table, the table 44 and top plate 45 which are shown circular, being of a size to engage the end plates inwardly of and adjacent to theJ apertures therein, sufficient clearance being provided for the engagement of the work by the electrodes. In order to assist in the proper centeringr of the work on the table 44, the lattermay provided with a central` raised portion 51 to nicely fit inside the lower end plate 52 the latter tting over the raised portion 51 and resting upon the outer reduced marginal portion 53 of the table. 54 designates handles for the clamp plate 45. y l

The table 44 is advanced at intervals to present the blades in succession to the electrodes in proper timed relation with the operation thereof through the medium of a ratchet wheel 55 fixed on the lower end 'portion of the vertical shaft 46, and co-operating pawl 56 at the outer end of a reciprocating rod 57A- motion being transmitted to the rod 57 by a bell crank lever 58 connected by a link 59 with a crank 60 on the cam shaft 10. The reciprocating rod 57 is adjustable in length, as shown, and said reciprocating rod at one end has a slide 61 engaging a slot 62 in one arm 58L of the bell crank 58, and the other arm 581 of the bell crank has a pin 58c slidably engaging a slot 63 in one end of the link 59 (see particularly Figures 1, 12 and 12*L of the drawing). n

Referring more particularly to Figures 3, 4, and 7 to 1l of the drawings 64 designates the power shaft, which may receive power from any suitable source, said shaft being shown provided with a pulley 65 at one end. series of gear pinions 66, 67, 68, 69, are provided between the power shaft 64 and the cam shaft 10, the pinion 69 being mounted on the shaft 10 forrotation independently thereof, and a clutch being provided to couple said pinion 69 to the shaft 10. The clutch comprises a toothed portion 7 0 on the hub of the gear 69, and a movable member 71 connected with the shaft 10 to rotate there with and to slideglongitudinally thereon, said movable member 71 of the clutch having a toothed part 73 to cooperate with the toothed portion of the gear pinion 69. 74 designates coiled springs interposed between one side of the movable clutch member 71 and a collar 75 which in turn bears against one end of a bearing 76, said springs 74 exerting pressure upon lthe movabley clutch member 71 to force the same into engagement with the toothed clutch portion 70 on the gear pinion 69. The operation of the clutch to couple the pinion 69 to the cam shaft 10 is under the control of a lever L slidablysupported in a tubular guide 76 on the arm 3 of the frame, and a guide sleeve 77 carried by an arm 78 extending from a bearing 79, said lever L being adapted to co-operate with a cam part 8O on the movable clutch member 71 to shift and hold said movable clutch member out of engagement with the toothed part 70 of the pinion 69. The lever L which has a suitable handle or grip 81 at its upper end, is shown as constructed of two parts adj ustably secured together', one of the lever parts having a lateral extension 82 provided with a socket 83, in which is clamped an end portion of the other lever, part by a screw 83. The' lower end of the lever L, which is adapted toengage the cam part 80 of the movable clutch member may, as shown, be provided with a roll 84 at its lower end. 85 designates a coiled spring having its o posite ends secured respectively to the leverpL and the sleeve 77, said spring 85 being arranged to exert a downward pull upon the lever L to maintain the same in a position with its lower end engaging the cam part 80 of the movable clutch member 71 to hold the latter out of engagement with the toothed part of the pinion 69. By pulling the lever upwardly, the lower end thereof may be lifted clear'of the movable clutch member 7l, and the latter will then be moved by the spring 74 into engagement with the toothed part 70 of the pinion 69,the cam shaft 10 being then driven to operate the machine.

Mechanism is provided to lock the starting lever L in its uppermost inactive releasing ,position until the work holding means has made a full revolution and the machine completed a full cycle of operations. The mechanism for this purpose comprises a horizontally swinging trigger 87 pivotally mounted at one end on a plate 87a and provided with an arm 87b adapted to extend through an opening 88 in the tubular guide 7 6 and engage a transverse slot 89 in the upper portion of the lever L as illustrated,` in Figures 9 and l0 of Ithe drawings. 90 designates a handle part on the out-er free end portion of the trigger. If desired, a spring 91 may also be provided to press the trigger in a direction to carry its lock arm 87b into engagement with 'the slot 89 in the lever L when the latter is raised to clutch releasing position.. 92 designates a cam or trip member mounted on the ratchet wheel 55, said cam or trip member being adapted to engage a cam tooth 93 on the trigger 87 to automatically disengage the trigger 87 from the lever L when the table has made a full revolution and the electrodes have operated upon all of the blade ends of the fan wheel, the lever L, when released, being pulled down by the spring 85 so that its lower end will engage the cam part 80 on the movable clutch member 71, which, as will be understood. will be shifted out of engagement with Vthe clutch part 70 on the pinion 69 and the machine thus automatically stopped.

It will be noted that the improved method and apparatus, as hereinbefore explained, provides for making an improved light build fan wheel, a fan wheel of this light build nature that is perfectly true and possesses great strength and rigidity, and that can be produced faster and at lower cost than the old type of riveted wheel. The special method for securing the wheel parts to gether results in a more efficient joining of the parts, substantially an integral structure being produced; the slower riveting process as lcommonly practiced with the injurious shocks incident thereto, is entirely avoided, a smoothly finished, stronger, more durable and perfect wheel being produced.

The method disclosed herein is claimed in my Patent No. 1,484,579 dated February 9, 1924;.l a

What I claim is:

l. In a machine for securing together the parts of fan wheels comprising end plates and blades having projecting end portions, rotatable work holding means for holding the parts of the fan wheel clamped together in assembled relation, a pair of reciprocating electrodes adapted to simultaneously apply heat and pressure to the projecting end portions of a blade on the work holding means, indexing mechanism for advancing the work holding means to successively present thediiferent blades to the electrodes in timed relation with the voperation of the electrodes, operating means for the electrodes and the indexing mechanism, a current supply, and automatic switch mechanism controlling the closing of the circuit through the electrodes for each welding operation. Y

2. In a machine for securing together the parts of fan wheels comprising end plates and blades having projecting portions at opposite ends thereof, rotatable work holding means for holding the wheel parts clamped together in assembled relation with the projecting end portions of the blades extending through the apertures in the end plates beyond the outer faces thereof, and the latter in contact with the main end portions of the blades, a pair of reciprocating electrodes adapted to simultaneously apply heat and pressure to the opposite projecting end portions of a blade on the work holding means, indexing mechanism for advancing the work holding means to successively bring the ends of the blades in position to be operated' upon by the electrodes in timed relation with theoperation of the electrodes, operating means 'for the elec-v trodes and the indexing mechanism, a curlrent supply, and automatic switch mechanism controlling the closing of the circuit through the electrodes for each welding operation. s

3. In a machine for securing together the parts of fan wheels comprislng end rims` provided with apertures, and blades having projecting end portions, rotatable work holding means for holding the parts of the wheel clamped together in assembled relation with the projecting end portions of the blades extending through the apertures in the end rims and the latter in contact with the main end portions of the blades, Said Work holding means including a shaft supported for rotation, a plate fixed on one end of said shaft and provided with a oentral stem part having a threaded upper end portion, and a second plate having a central opening With threaded Walls to detachably and adjustably engage the threaded stem portion of the other plate. i

4. In a machiney for securing together the parts of fan Wheels comprising end plates provided with apertures7 and blades having projecting end portions, rotatable Work holding means for holding the parts of the wheel clamped together in assembled relation with the projecting end portions of the blades extending through the apertures in the end plates, and the latter in contactiwith the1main end portions'of the blades, said work holding means including ay shaft supported for rotation, a plate fixed on one end ofthe shaft, an outer clamping plate, and

i connecting and clamping means for said Y plate including a stem part on the rst mentioned plate, said plates'being adapted to engage the end plates of the an Wheel, in combination with a pair of electrodes adapted to engage and apply'heat and pressure to the .projecting end portions of a blade of ay Wheel supported by the workholding means independently of the latter.'

5. In a machine for securing together the parts of fan Wheels comprising end plates, andl blades having rojecting end portions, rotatable Work hol -ngmeans forholding the parts of the fan Wheel clamped together in assembled relation .with the projecting end portions of the blades extending through the apertures in the end plates, said work holding means including a shaft supported for rotation, a plate fixed on one end of said shaft and having work centering means thereon, an outer clamping plate, and

plate to theother plate, said plates being adapted to engage the end plates of the wheel, in combination with a pair of electrodes adapted' to engage and apply heat and pressure to the projecting end portionsk 'of a blade of a wheel su ported by thework gently of the latter.'` 6,' In a machine for securing'together the parts of fan wheels comprising end plates l and blades having projecting end portions, horizontally rotatable Work holding means vfor holding the wheel gether in assembled relation, a pair of ver` holding means indepen parts Aclamped Jtotically reciprocator electrodes adapted to simultaneously .app y heatand pressure lto opposite end portions of a blade on the Work ho ding lineens to melt down the (projecting end portions of the blade andvwel the parts together, indexing lmechanism for advancing the rotatable work holding means to successively present the ends of the blades to the electrodes, operating means for the electrodes and indexing mechanism, and means for supplyingl a welding current to the electrodes.

7. In a machine for securing together the parts of fan Wheels comprising end plates and blades having projecting end portions, rotatable Work holding means for holding the parts of thefan Wheel clamped together in assembled relation, a pair of reciprocating combined electrodes and pressing members adapted to simultaneously apply heat and pressure to the projecting end portions of a blade on the Work holding means, indexing mechanism for advancing the ,Work holding means to successively bring the end portions of the different blades in position to be operated upon by the electrodes in timed relation with the operation of the electrodes and pressing members, operating means for the electrodes and pressing members and the indexing mechanism, a current supply, automatic switch mechanism controlling the closing of the circuit through tlie electrodes and pressing members for each Welding operation, and automaticv stop mechanism for stopping the machine after a full cycle of operations.

8. In a machine for securing together the parts of fan wheels comprising end plates and blades having projecting end portions, rotatable Work holding means for holding the parts of the fan wheels clamped iogether iii assembled relation, a pair of re' ciprocating combined electrodes and pressing members adapted to simultaneously apply heat and pressure to the projecting end portions of a blade' on the work holdingl means, indexing mechanism for advancing the Work holding means to successively bring the end portions of the different blades i-n position to be operated upon by the electrodes in timed relation with the operation Vof the electrodes and pressing members, operating means for the electrodes and pressing members and `the indexing mechanism, means for supplying a welding current to the electrodes and controlling means including a clutch, a .hand lever for operating the clutch, trigger mechanfsm acting toautomatically lock the hand lever in inactive position, and means for actuating the trigger to release the hand lever.

y 9. In a machine for securing together the `parts of fan Wheels comprising end plates and blades liavinof projecting end portions, rotatable work holding means for holdinoF Y the parts of the wheel in assembled relatioiib,

a pair of reciprocating electrodes adapted to simultaneously apply heat and pressure to the opposite end portions of a blade on the Work holding means, indexing mechanism for advancing the work holding means step by step to successively present the blades to the electrodes, operating means for the elec- 

